Dump Truck Accident on Socastee Boulevard
A two-vehicle crash with entrapment involving a dump truck blocked traffic on Socastee Boulevard. The accident took place on December 4, 2023. Horry County Fire Rescue was dispatched to the scene at 1:21 pm. The accident left two people injured, requiring hospitalization.
If you get into an accident with a dump truck or any type of commercial vehicle, the Myrtle Beach truck accident lawyers at John Price Law Firm, LLC, are here to assist you.
Why Truck Crashes Happen in Myrtle Beach
Our Myrtle Beach truck accident lawyers would like to discuss the common causes of truck crashes in the region:
Distracted Driving
In 2021, 3,522 people died due to distracted driving. Completely preventable, distracted driving involves any activity that takes your attention away from the road.
Distracted driving comes in three forms:
- Manual: Taking your hands off the wheel
- Cognitive: Taking your mind off your driving
- Visual: Taking your eyes off the road
A major distraction for truck drivers is responding to dispatch. A dispatcher ensures that the truck driver will be delivering goods on time. A recent study revealed that a truck driver is nine times more likely to be in an accident when speaking with dispatch. Hence, using a dispatch device while driving is a truck driver’s version of texting and driving.
Speeding
Speeding and other forms of aggressive driving took the lives of 12,330 people in a recent year. Delays are not uncommon for truck drivers traveling thousands of miles interstate and cross-country, being caused by inclement weather, traffic congestion, and construction. Truckers will speed in an attempt to stay on schedule, often with fatal consequences.
Driving Under the Influence of Drugs or Alcohol
In most states, including South Carolina, driving with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher is against the law. At this level, the average driver is considered impaired, having delayed reflexes, difficulty detecting danger, and poor judgment.
This level only applies to passenger vehicle drivers. Commercial vehicle drivers must adhere to stricter laws, being considered legally intoxicated if they have a BAC of 0.04% or higher.
Tailgating
Tailgating is a leading cause of motor vehicle accidents, injuring thousands of people each year. Truck drivers are notorious for tailgating other vehicles when traveling downhill on a steep decline. It is important to stay aware of your surroundings and move over if you have a commercial truck following you closely.
Running Red Lights
Truck drivers may disregard traffic laws, including running red lights if they are running behind schedule. In 2021, just over 1,100 people were killed in crashes in which one of the drivers ran a red light. Half of these fatalities were pedestrians, bicyclists, and other vulnerable road users.
Contact a South Carolina Truck Accident Lawyer
Commercial truck accidents have increased dramatically in the past decade, causing a major concern for the safety of all road users. If you have been the victim of a truck accident, we are here to help. Contact The John Price Law Firm, LLC, today online or by calling 843-552-6011 to schedule your free consultation.